Southwestern's Special Collections Department has the papers of the late U.S. Sen. John Tower, who was a graduate of Southwestern University (Class of 1948). Sen. Tower was best known for chairing President Ronald Reagan's Special Review Board, which studied the Iran-Contra Affair in1986.

A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library Center

Smith Library is far more than a collection of books; it is the centerpiece of Southwestern’s academic facilities. The Library has a dedicated team of scholars, researchers and staff to assist students in their search for information.

The periodicals room, group study rooms, music listening facilities and themed study alcoves are perfect places to focus, work and meet with classmates or professors. Other great spaces include a first-floor coffee bar, first- and third-floor alcoves, Prothro Room, with its view of the Academic Mall.